Natural Wonders of Greenland and Iceland

Cruise details - Natural Wonders of Greenland and Iceland

From majestic glaciers and icebergs floating in deep-blue water to the island’s unique indigenous wildlife, the natural wonders of Greenland are the stars of this soft adventure voyage. Whales and seals often accompany the OCEAN DIAMOND, while musk ox graze ashore. Information about Tour 1: Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland from 9th Aug - 20th Aug 2019

Welcome to Greenland! Our optional Air & Ground package provides a convenient arrival. The OCEAN DIAMOND anchors off Kanglerlussuaq and embarkation is conducted via our Zodiac boats. The ship departs in the evening.

Day 2Sisimiut

With approx. 5,600 inhabitants, Sisimiut is the second largest town in Greenland. It is a modern settlement that maintains ancient traditions. The fishing industry still plays an important role. The natural harbor remains ice-free throughout the year which made it an attractive location for European whalers in former times.

Day 3Ilulissat / Eqip Glacier

In the morning we visit the beautiful Eqip Glacier. Our next stop is Ilulissat, which means “iceberg” in Greenlandic. And with good reason, as the town is located at the mouth of the iceberg-filled Ilulissat Ice Fjord. Delight in the thunderous spectacle when icebergs break off from Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and plunge into the fjord. In the evening we visit the beautiful Eqip Glacier.

Day 4Uummannaq

Uummannaq is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. Located on a small island about 300 miles (483 km) north of the Arctic Circle, this tiny, picturesque village lies at the foot of a heartshaped mountain.

Day 5Qeqertarsuaq

The small settlement of Qeqertarsuaq is located on the south coast of Disko Island. In 1773 the first whaling base was founded there. Whaling has been of great importance to the town over the past two centuries.

Day 6Nuuk

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and its oldest town. Founded in 1728 by Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, the city combines Arctic traditions and European urbanity. With around 16,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is considered a modern, bustling metropolis compared to the rest of Greenland. Visit the city sights on a walking tour that ends at the National Museum, which exhibits the famous mummies of Qilakitsoq.

Day 7Ikka Fjord

Today we visit Ikka Fjord. The underwater world is like no other, it contains a forest of remarkable mineral columns growing on the seabed. The columns formed over 10,000 years ago of the extremely rare mineral Ikait.

Day 8Narsarsuaq

In the evening we reach the small settlement of Qassiarsuk to anchor for the night. Qassiarsuk was founded by notorious Viking Erik the Red who named this area “green land” because of the inviting green valleys around Qassiarsuk. During our stop here you can learn about the lives of the island’s early Norse settlers and visit a reconstructed Viking longhouse and small turf church.

Day 9Day at Sea/Prins Christian Sound

When conditions are favorable, we travel along the 70-mile (112-km) Prins Christian Sound. In this narrow, often ice-choked channel, we come so close to icebergs you can almost reach out and touch them.

Day 10Day at Sea

Today we sail across the Denmark Strait towards Iceland. This route was used by Norse settlers traveling to Greenland around 900 years ago.

Day 11Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption.

Day 12Reykjavík

After breakfast we bid farewell to the OCEAN DIAMOND as we sail back into Reykjavik. You can also simply hang out in Reykjavik, a perfect city for those who want to refresh their spirit in a place that combines invigorating outdoor activities, great food and world-class entertainment. More post-cruise programs can be found here. Take a look at our Air & Ground package or this tour to enjoy a comfortable journey home.

All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change. All Zodiac excursions are weather dependent.